BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY


Programme Overview

The Department of Chemistry is the largest department in the Faculty of Science. The Department started operation in the academic year 1959/1960 and is one of the oldest departments in the faculty. The Department is the first institution of higher learning in Malaysia to receive the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry, UK accreditation for its programme since August 2012. One of the objectives of the Department is to provide a centre of excellence in chemical education and research in Malaysia. Students from the Department are trained to develop their critical, creative and innovative thinking.


The Department is proud to produce graduates who are highly regarded, and much sought after in the workforce market. Presently, the Department has 54 academic staff, several of whom are from abroad, and 1 Emeritus Professor. Apart from teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels, the staff also conduct quality research in fundamental and applied chemistry. Although the academic staff have different research interests, they adhere to the same philosophy in solving chemical-related problems and in the development of expertise in chemistry. In addition to the undergraduate programme, the department also offers MSc by research and coursework; and PhD programmes. Since the establishment, the Department has produced many MSc and PhD graduates who assume high positions in both government and private organization locally and internationally.


Duration: 4 years( 8 semester ), Full time (Coursework)

Programme Structure (Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Programme Planning – Group 1)

  1. Philosophy and Current Issues / Basic Malay Language*
  2. English Language / Foreign Language**
  3. Science, Technology & Society
  4. Statistics
  5. Principles of Chemistry
  6. Organic Chemistry I
  7. Safety and Basic Laboratory Techniques
  8. Elective Courses: Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE): SHE Cluster 1 - Thinking Matters: Mind & Intellect
  9. Appreciation of Ethics and Civilizations
  10. English Language / Foreign Language**
  11. Basic Entrepreneurship Enculturation
  12. Co-Curriculum
  13. Inorganic Chemistry I
  14. Physical Chemistry I
  15. Mathematics in Chemistry
  16. Laboratory Skills
  17. Elective Courses: Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE): SHE Cluster 2 - Emotional & Spiritual Intelligence: Heart & Soul
  1. Inorganic Chemistry II
  2. Practical of Inorganic Chemistry II
  3. Organic Chemistry II
  4. Practical of Organic Chemistry II
  5. Computer Programming for Sciences
  6. Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry
  7. Elective Courses: Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE): SHE Cluster 3 - Technology / Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: i-Techie
  8. Co-Curriculum
  9. Basic Analytical Chemistry
  10. Molecular Spectroscopy
  11. Physical Chemistry II
  12. Practical of Chemistry II
  13. Chemistry and Society
  14. Elective Courses: Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE): SHE Cluster 4 - Global Issue and Community Sustainability: Making the World a Better Place
  1. Inorganic Chemistry III
  2. Practical of Inorganic Chemistry III
  3. Research Project (Progressive) - OPTION 1
  4. Elective Courses: Program Elective***
  5. Organic Chemistry III
  6. Practical of Organic Chemistry III
  7. Physical Chemistry III
  8. Practical of Physical Chemistry III
  9. Research Project (Progressive) - OPTION 1
  10. Elective Courses: Program Elective***
  1. Industrial Training - OPTION 1
  2. Elective Courses: Program Elective***

Note:

*For non-Malaysian.

**Student whose native language is English.

***Elective courses should be selected according to the packages below.

Programme Elective Courses should be selected according to the packages below (Pure Chemistry or Applied Chemistry Packages)

For Minor Package courses offered please refer to UMSItS Guide via this link: https://umsitsguide.um.edu.my/


Elective Course

  • Thinking Matters: Mind and Intellect
  • Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Intelligence: Heart, Body and Soul
  • Technology / Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: I-techie
  • Global Issues and Community Sustainability: Making the World a Better Place

Programme Elective Courses

(Pure Chemistry Packages)

  • Advanced Analytical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Heterocyclic and Medicinal Chemistry
  • Electrochemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Natural Products and Biosynthesis
  • Organic Synthesis
  • Mechanistic Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Organic Chemistry
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry
  • Nuclear Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Chemometrics
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Colloid Chemistry

Programme Elective Courses

(Applied Chemistry Package)

  • Chemometrics***
  • Computational Chemistry***
  • Colloid Chemistry***
  • Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation***
  • Industrial Chemistry
  • Industrial Polymer Chemistry***
  • Oleochemistry
  • Petrochemistry
  • Process Chemistry
  • Food Chemistry
  • Natural Products and Biotechnological Processes
  • Applied Electrochemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Quality Assurance in Chemical Laboratory
  • Environmental Pollution and Waste Management***
  • Liquid Crystals

Programme Structure (Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Programme Planning – Group 2)

  1. Philosophy and Current Issues / Basic Malay Language*
  2. English Language / Foreign Language**
  3. Science, Technology & Society
  4. Inorganic Chemistry I
  5. Physical Chemistry I
  6. Mathematics in Chemistry
  7. Safety and Basic Laboratory Techniques
  8. Elective Courses: Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE): SHE Cluster 1 - Thinking Matters: Mind & Intellect
  9. Appreciation of Ethics and Civilizations
  10. English Language / Foreign Language**
  11. Basic Entrepreneurship Enculturation
  12. Co-Curriculum
  13. Statistics
  14. Principles of Chemistry
  15. Organic Chemistry I
  16. Laboratory Skills
  17. Elective Courses: Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE): SHE Cluster 2 - Emotional & Spiritual Intelligence: Heart & Soul
  1. Co-Curriculum
  2. Basic Analytical Chemistry
  3. Molecular Spectroscopy
  4. Physical Chemistry II
  5. Practical of Physical Chemistry II
  6. Chemistry and Society
  7. Elective Courses: Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE): SHE Cluster 3 - Technology / Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: i-Technie
  8. Inorganic Chemistry II
  9. Practical of Inorganic Chemistry II
  10. Organic Chemistry II
  11. Practical of Organic Chemistry II
  12. Computer Programming for the Sciences
  13. Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry
  14. Elective Courses: Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE): SHE Cluster 4 - Global Issue and Community Sustainability: Making the World a Better Place
  1. Organic Chemistry III
  2. Practical of Organic Chemistry III
  3. Physical Chemistry III
  4. Practical of Physical Chemistry III
  5. Elective Courses: Program Elective***
  6. Inorganic Chemistry III
  7. Practical of Inorganic Chemistry III
  8. Research Project (Progressive) - OPTION 2
  9. Elective Courses: Program Elective***
  1. Research Project (Progressive) - OPTION 2
  2. Elective Courses: Program Elective***
  3. Industrial Training - OPTION 2

Note:

*For non-Malaysian.

**Student whose native language is English.

***Elective courses should be selected according to the packages below.

Program Elective Courses should be selected according to the packages below (Pure Chemistry or Applied Chemistry Packages)

For Minor Package courses offered please refer to UMSItS Guide via this link: https://umsitsguide.um.edu.my/


Elective Course

  • Thinking Matters: Mind and Intellect
  • Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Intelligence: Heart, Body and Soul
  • Technology / Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: I-techie
  • Global Issues and Community Sustainability: Making the World a Better Place

Programme Elective Courses

(Pure Chemistry Packages)

  • Advanced Analytical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Heterocyclic and Medicinal Chemistry
  • Electrochemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Natural Products and Biosynthesis
  • Organic Synthesis
  • Mechanistic Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Organic Chemistry
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry
  • Nuclear Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Chemometrics
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Colloid Chemistry

Programme Elective Courses

(Applied Chemistry Package)

  • Chemometrics
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Colloid Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation
  • Industrial Chemistry
  • Industrial Polymer Chemistry
  • Oleochemistry
  • Petrochemistry
  • Process Chemistry
  • Food Chemistry
  • Natural Products and Biotechnological Processes
  • Applied Electrochemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Quality Assurance in Chemical Laboratory
  • Environmental Pollution and Waste Management
  • Liquid Crystals

#Minor package

(1) Students must complete at least 18 credits under the same minor package to be displayed on the transcript.

(2) For further information, students can refer to the UMSItS Guide via this link: https://umsitsguide.um.edu.my/



Career Prospects

Community Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, Industrial Pharmacist, Regulatory Affairs Officer, Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, Drug Safety Associate, Pharmacovigilance Officer, Academic Lecturer, Medical Science Liaison, Formulation Scientist, Production Pharmacist, Compounding Pharmacist, Public Health Pharmacist, Clinical Trials Coordinator, Healthcare Consultant, Toxicologist, Pharmacy Benefits Analyst.

Tuition Fee

Local (SATU)

RM60,100

(Note: This fee is not applicable for UPU applicant)

International

RM78,500

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

Entry Requirements for STPM (Science Stream)
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
  • Obtain at least a grade of B- in Chemistry
  • Obtained at least a Grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects at STPM level: Biology; Physics; Mathematics T / Mathematics M.
Entry Requirements for Matriculation / Foundation (Science Stream)
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
  • Obtain at least a grade of B- in Chemistry
  • Obtained at least a Grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects at Foundation/ Matriculation level: Biology; Physics; Mathematics
Entry Requirements for STAM
  • Not Offered
Entry Requirements for Diploma / Equivalent (UPU)
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Possess a Diploma from a Public University (IPTA) / ILKA / Polytechnic /IPTS or other qualifications recognized by the Government of Malaysia and approved by the Senate of the University Malaya, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00.
  • Obtain at least a grade of B- in Chemistry
  • Obtained at least a Grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects at Diploma level: Biology; Physics; Mathematics
Entry Requirements for UM (SATU)Foundations
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
  • Obtain at least a grade of B- in Chemistry
  • Obtained at least a Grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects at UM SATU Foundation level: Biology; Physics; Mathematics
Entry Requirements for GCE A-Level
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a recognized GCE A-Level qualification
  • Obtain at least a grade of B in Chemistry
  • Obtained at least a Grade B in any ONE (1) of the following subjects at GEC A-Level: Biology; Physics; Mathematics T / Mathematics M
Entry Requirements for IB
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum score of 30 points
  • Obtain at least Grade 5 (HL) or 6 (SL) in subject Chemistry
  • Obtained at least Grade 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in any ONE (1) of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Further Mathematics / Mathematics
Entry Requirements for AUSMAT
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum score of 80 in the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
  • Obtained at least a Grade B in any TWO (2) of the following subjects at the AUSMAT level: Mathematics / Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Entry Requirements for STPM (not from the current year)
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
  • Obtain at least a grade of B- in Chemistry
  • Obtained at least a Grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects at STPM level: Biology; Physics; Mathematics T / Mathematics M
Entry Requirements for Matriculation/Foundation (not from the current year)
  • Malaysian citizen
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
  • Obtain at least a grade of B- in Chemistry
  • Obtained at least a Grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects at Matriculation/Foundation level: Biology; Physics; Mathematics
Entry Requirements for Senior High School Certificate
  • Pass with a minimum average of 65%
  • Obtain a minimum of 60% / grade B- in Chemistry
  • Obtain a minimum of 60% / grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Mathematics
Entry Requirements for Matriculations/Foundations
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 from a recognized institution approved by UM Senate
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B- in Chemistry
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Mathematics
Entry Requirements for Diploma
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 from a recognized institution approved by UM Senate
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B- in Chemistry
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B- in any ONE (1) of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics
Entry Requirements for GCE A-Level
  • Obtain a recognized GCE A-Level qualification
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B in Chemistry
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B in any ONE (1) of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics
Entry Requirements for IB
  • Obtain a minimum score of 30 points
  • Obtain at least Grade 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in Chemistry
  • Obtain at least Grade 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in any ONE (1) of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics
Entry Requirements for AUSMAT
  • Obtain a minimum score of 80 in the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B in Chemistry
  • Obtain a minimum of grade B in any ONE (1) of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics

Additional Requirement

  • Candidates who apply must be physically fit, not suffering from any mental or physical illness and able to follow the program of study designed for this course.

English Language Requirements

  • Obtain a minimum of Band 3.0 in MUET for examinations starting from Session 1 of the year 2021, or Band 3.0 for examinations up to the year 2020, according to the validity period on the date of application
  • Applicants without MUET but with the following results may be considered for conditional admission, provided they fulfil MUET requirement within ONE (1) academic session:
    • Obtain at least Band 4.5 (Academic) in IELTS; or
    • Obtain a minimum score of 33 in TOEFL iBT (Centre-based)
  • MUET 4.0
  • IELTS (Academic) 5.5
  • TOEFL iBT (Centre-based) 46
  • TOEFL Essentials (Online) 8.0
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) 51
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency 160